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We offer the following treatment techniques. (Click on the technique for more information. )
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is part of a system of health and healing known as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) which was developed thousands of years ago in China and other Eastern countries.
 Acupuncture focuses on a holistic, energy-based approach to the patient rather than a disease-oriented diagnostic and treatment model. Although it is most often used for pain relief, it is in fact used to treat people (and animals!) with a wide range of health complaints. The focus is on improving the overall well-being of the patient rather than the isolated treatment of specific symptoms. This is known as treating the "root" (a person's basic or core health pattern) as well as the branch (the specific symptom or complaint).
Einstein showed us that everything is made of and radiates energy. A subtle, intelligent form of energy supports, shapes, and enlivens our physical bodies and our minds. Practitioners of acupuncture and TCM call this intelligent energy "Qi" (chee). Many cultures have described the concept of this energy, giving it names such as "prana", "pneuma", "ether", and "vital force".
Qi is a combination of energies obtained from the food and drink we consume, the air we breathe, and the constitution we have inherited. Qi resides in every tissue of the body and also moves through a series of channels known as "meridians". Acupuncture points are located, for the most part, along these meridians and by stimulating them with very fine needles, the smooth, unobstructed flow of Qi can be enhanced or reestablished. According to TCM theory, where Qi flows smoothly there is health, and where the flow is obstructed there is pain and disease.
In practice, acupuncture utilizes very fine, sterile, single use, disposable needles, so there is very little chance for infection. Most people's experience with needles comes from having had their blood drawn or injections administered. Acupuncture needles are very different. Because they are thin, solid and their point is not beveled, there is little or no discomfort. When the needle is inserted, there may be a brief tingle, ache, or feeling of heaviness, but these sensations should pass quickly.
Many people find unexpected benefits when receiving acupuncture for a particular complaint. They may notice for instance that they sleep better, cope with stressful situations more easily, have fewer colds, and feel an enhanced sense of well-being.
See research on acupuncture.
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Cupping
 Cupping therapy is a tool of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that has been around for as long---or longer, than acupuncture. It is designed to stimulate the flow of Qi and Blood within the superficial muscle layers, drain excess fluids and toxins from these tissues, stimulate the periferal nervous system, loosen adhesions and stubborn knots in soft tissue. While it is mostly used for muscular tension and pain, it is also a useful adjunct for many other health complaints such as insomnia, constipation, PMS, and fibromyalgia. In this therapy, smooth glass cups are held over areas of the body and a vacuum is created within the cup using heat, then the cups are quickly applied. The cups may then be left in place for 10-15 minutes or moved about to create a deep tissue stimulation over a larger area. When the cups are removed the patient may look as though he or she was hugged by a giant octopus, but the marks are not painful and will fade in a couple of days (or as much as a week if there is a great deal of stagnation present). Click here for more information: Cupping Techniques
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Gua Sha
Gua Sha is another therapy utilized not only in TCM, but in many Asian and Eastern European cultures as well. Also known as "coining" or "scraping", it involves palpation and cutaneous stimulation with pressured strokes using a round-edged instrument. This usually results in the appearance of small red petechiae called "sha" that will fade in 2 or 3 days. Gua sha is often used to allay the symptoms of a chest cold, acute neck stiffness and pain, as well as back and shoulder pain from overuse. Click here for more information: Gua Sha
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Moxibustion
Moxibustion or "moxa" is a treatment that employs a compressed herb called mugwort. It may be burned on the handle of a needle, held above the skin over certain acupuncture points, or placed on a mound of salt or slice of fresh ginger. It is used to "warm" acupuncture points in order to move Qi and Blood more quickly and effectively. It is not an appropriate therapy for every constitution but can be a very useful addition to an acupuncture treatment in the right circumstances.
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 Chinese Herbal Medicine
Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture are often used together to treat a wide variety of health issues. One of the great herbal systems of the world, Chinese herbal medicine has an unbroken tradition going back to the 3rd century BC. Ancient herbal information was gathered, compiled, formulated, tested, and handed down from generation to generation. Throughout it's long history it has been developed and adapted to apply to changing clinical conditions.
There are about 1800 herbs in the Chinese pharmacopia. These herbs are classified according to their energetic qualities and functions, as well as what organs and meridians they affect. Individual herbs are most often combined as a formula to enhance their effects and to minimize any side effects. Formulas may be prescribed as teas, extracts, pills, or powders.
Chinese herbal formulas may be used to strengthen or tonify the body, speed the healing process, and shorten recovery times from illness or injury. These formulas can address the underlying or root cause of health concerns, whether acute or chronic. Please know that they are NOT a replacement for medications that your M.D. may prescribe for you. In some situations, such as borderline cholesterol levels, herbs can avert the need to begin pharmaceuticals, but they are not a replacement for drugs that your doctor advises or prescribes. Always check with your doctor before embarking on herbal treatments for a specific medical diagnosis. While generally safe and effective, herbs are not right for everyone. Individuals taking blood thinners such as Coumadin (Warfarin), seizure medications such as Dilantin, or heart medications such as Digoxin should be very cautious about taking herbs or "nutraceuticals", or avoid them altogether. These drugs have a "narrow therapeutic index" and this index is easily affected, (even by certain foods) so it is possible that herbs may interfere with it as well. There are other cautions and contraindications so it is always best to give a complete account of all the medications you are taking (with updates as needed) as well as any health conditions you have to your acupuncturist / herbalist. to avoid any unwanted effects.
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